The day with dianne Louise

He will destroy death forever. The Lord God will wipe away the tears from every face and remove His people’s disgrace from the whole earth, for the Lord has spoken. Isaiah 25:8 HCSB Our disgrace has been removed. Do you struggle to believe this? Jesus, by his death on the cross, paid the price of all our disgrace. By inviting Christ into my life at 19 I knew my disgrace was all removed. He set me free! How good is God! Instead of living in disgrace and shame you are set free!

He will destroy death forever. The Lord God will wipe away the tears from every face and remove His people’s disgrace from the whole earth, for the Lord has spoken. Isaiah 25:8 HCSB In this life I will experience physical death but eternal life is Mine. My spirit will live forever. Eternal death has been stolen. Praise God! Before I came to Christ death was a concern. Where will I go? Am I good enough for God? This was my greatest fear. In Christ I have no fear as I have given my freedom. God is good. Whilst I was still in sin Christ died for me. He set me free! Jesus and the work of the cross is real. Eternal life is real and to be sought. Seek Him today! Amen!

For while we were still helpless, at the appointed moment, Christ died for the ungodly. For rarely will someone die for a just person — though for a good person perhaps someone might even dare to die. But God proves His own love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us! Romans 5:6‭-‬8 HCSB We know we are not good enough for someone we do not know would die for us. Yet Jesus did just that. How good is that! I am still helpless at times but He is gracious towards me. For this I am grateful! Today represents Good Friday, the day Jesus was crucified for our sin. Today we can be free, totally free, not because we are good enough but He in me makes it so. If you do not know Him ask Him in and He will come. Amen!

But God proves His own love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us! Romans 5:8 HCSB Have you ever been asked to prove your love? The apostle Peter was after Jesus had risen from the dead. Jesus asked him three times and it distressed him: He asked him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me? ” Peter was grieved that He asked him the third time, “Do you love Me? ” He said, “Lord, You know everything! You know that I love You.” “Feed My sheep,” Jesus said. John 21:17 HCSB Peter's original name was Simon. Jesus had given him the name Peter. It is interesting that here He again calls Peter Simon. Jesus was going back to where Simon came from. His father's name was John. Peter had denied Jesus three times before Jesus was crucified and His betrayal had greatly shocked and upset him. Here Jesus was healing the wound and forgiving Peter. God does not deny us. He forgives us and acknowledges us before His Father, us who call upon Him t...

Absolutely not! How can we who died to sin still live in it? Or are you unaware that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? Therefore we were buried with Him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too may walk in a new way of life. Romans 6:2‭-‬4 HCSB When I accept Christ I accept the work of the cross, I am baptised into the death and resurrection Jesus did for me so that I might live for Him. Living for and in Him is conscious choices daily to walk out my Christian life with intentionality. I cannot roll out of bed and humble into the day without first inviting Him to be Lord. He must be Lord! Unless He is Lord, I lose. In Him I win. He is my strength and song. Amen!

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23 HCSB Wages is something we earn. We are unable to earn eternal life by our own works because we were born into and enslaved by sin. I know how hard I tried to be righteous before I yielded and asked the Lord into my life. I had been taught I must earn a relationship with God, what a burden that was. But then He came! He reached out to me and showed me He had paid the price. Freedom was mine. Now all I have to do is live in Him, in the relationship He purchased for me. Eternal life began that day. Whilst I still walk this earth it seems remote but when my eyes close for the last time, its reality is mine, forever. We were made to live in fellowship with our God. Stepping from earth into eternity is just that, a step, a blink of the eye, a moment in time. It won't be long, by heaven's standards, earth will see me shrink like a prune, but my spirit grows daily, ready fo...

We all went astray like sheep; we all have turned to our own way; and the Lord has punished Him for the iniquity of us all. Isaiah 53:6 HCSB It somehow does not seem right that Jesus had to be punished because we went our own way. Yet He was. Do we consider the ramifications of our own self will? I remember, years ago watching a movie about Australian prisoners of war in a Japanese POW camp. The commamder was a ruthless man. One day it appeared that a spade went missing and so the commander wanted the person responsible to own up. No one did and so he picked on one of the men. Another man in the group knew this man had family he wanted to get home to and he himself had none. So he volunteered to take this man's place. If I remember correctly the volunteer was a Christian and it must have been around Easter time. The commander crucified this man, literally. I believe the spade was later found. The fact that an innocent man volunteered to be killed shows us a little of what C...

But He was pierced because of our transgressions, crushed because of our iniquities; punishment for our peace was on Him, and we are healed by His wounds. Isaiah 53:5 HCSB Today I want to consider:' punishment for our peace was upon Him." He who knew no sin was being punished for us who knew no peace. Jesus was the man of Peace, but so that we could know peace, Jesus suffered. What love is this? Today if you struggle to find peace, if your nights are filled with troubles and sleeplessness, then turn to Him, ask Him for His peace. Jesus fought for us so that we might know what He knew. He knew the Father, He knew victory over sin, He knew victory over sickness, He knew victory over rejection. He faced it all and won. Today He is our victor, today He is our saviour, today He is our peace. Amen!

because the Spirit’s law of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death. Romans 8:2 HCSB Sometimes we miss the memory or what it was like to live under law, or then again, perhaps we never knew. The Old Testament was onerous. The laws to keep in the hope of being considered righteous were never ending. I had a taste of this in Catholicism. Going to confession was the only remedy and the penance given. Never did they make me whiter than snow. Yet, this is what God promised: thou your sins be like scarlet you will be white as snow. Is 1:18 As we approach Easter we come to the season that brought us freedom. Jesus dies for my scarlet to give me the white as snow. I am grateful! How good is He! Amen!

Now if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. And if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead lives in you, then He who raised Christ from the dead will also bring your mortal bodies to life through His Spirit who lives in you. Romans 8:10‭-‬11 HCSB I don't need to try to be dead to sin but rather accept that Jesus who dwells in me, died for me and this is now mine. It's no longer I who lives but Christ who lives in me and the Life I now live I live by faith in the Son who set me free. Galatians 2.20. Here is the mystery to be discyphered. This can take me a lifetime. How am I am righteous by believing? By acting as if I believe. If I receive a gift, I accept the gift but then use the gift and in using the gift show ownership. I must walk in freedom and show I am free. My God has given me deliverance and freedom. New life is mine! I must live it! Amen!

But Jesus called them over and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles dominate them, and the men of high position exercise power over them. It must not be like that among you. On the contrary, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave; Matthew 20:25‭-‬27 HCSB Nothing has changed. We see men and women striving for power so that they may Lord over others. Yet we belong to the kingdom of God and are called to serve. Do we know how to serve? Jesus shows us what that service looks like. If we need lessons let's look at Him. His service was to save us from the penalty of sin. The wages of sin is death, spiritual death, eternal death. The service Jesus gave was to allow evil men to abuse and torture Him. Yet His purpose was to make a way for me. The service He asks of me is to lay down my selfish desires and fine tune my ears to the lost. What is He doing today with the lost? I am learning ...

just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life — a ransom for many.” Matthew 20:28 HCSB Jesus had two disciples wanting first place in heaven: brothers James and John. They had just asked Him if they could sit on either side of Him on His throne. As the divine King who came to earth to make an ultimate sacrifice, Jesus knew how carnal their request was. James and John were operating without understand of sacrifice and service. I am grateful that Jesus corrects them gently. I think I operate without knowledge at times and my Jesus is lovingly bringing my thoughts to that of laying down my life for others. Everyone wants their heros to be sacrificial and selfless, yet only one is really good. Jesus did not come to serve Himself. He came to seek and save that which is lost and to not please Himself. One of the latest in heros is the Green Arrow. I watched a few episodes over the weekend. He started out mysterious and selfless but soon degene...

Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany where Lazarus was, the one Jesus had raised from the dead. So they gave a dinner for Him there; Martha was serving them, and Lazarus was one of those reclining at the table with Him. Then Mary took a pound of fragrant oil — pure and expensive nard — anointed Jesus’ feet, and wiped His feet with her hair. So the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil. John 12:1‭-‬3 HCSB Today whilst worshipping in church I had a revelation of what prompted Mary to do what she did, love. When you love someone like Mary did and love them enough to accept what they said about themselves and what was about to happen to them, and that someone happened to be your saviour, you would do the same. Peter loved Jesus, selfishly, and attempted to prevent the cross. Mary loved Jesus selflessly and accepted the cross. Her love for Jesus, her saviour and Lord, opened the doors of her heart and out flowed streams of love and adoration. Mary was happy to...

The next day, when the large crowd that had come to the festival heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, they took palm branches and went out to meet Him. They kept shouting: “ Hosanna! He who comes in the name of the Lord is the blessed One — the King of Israel! ” John 12:12‭-‬13 HCSB The people were gathering to celebrate the Passover. They took palm branches- the Jewish national symbol and meanwhile the Pharisees were plotting both His death and the second death of Lazarus,(that is funny- death has already been defeated once) because he was part of the cause of the exuberant crowd. Jesus was not going to be too impressed with the crowd as some of the same people could well have been those who, a few days later shouted "crucify Him!" Yet this was all part of the plan, God's plan. Jesus now goes back into Jerusalem in preparation for the fulfillment of prophesy. He would be His Father's lamb that would be slain and take away the sins of all mankind. The p...

Know that the Lord has set apart the faithful for Himself; the Lord will hear when I call to Him. Psalms 4:3 HCSB Many live as if they must be the author of destiny while many more live as if circumstance controls their destiny. For me both are wrong. My God plans my steps and I walk in safety. Whilst my steps go awful close to boiling lava and snarling demons, i am safe with Him. It is wrong to assume life is wrong if there are episodes of boiling lava and demons. It is also wrong to assume our God has forsaken us, if we see them. We have to learn to trust in the storm. We learn this by going to the storm. Remember He walks on the waves, if I am close to Him, so do I. There's the rub!

I will both lie down and sleep in peace, for You alone, Lord , make me live in safety. Psalms 4:8 HCSB I am safe because of my God. As I dwell in His shadow I am safe. Nothing Can harm me. I am with Him and He is my refuge and strength. Jesus knew this scripture as He slept in the storm on a boat. His disciples did not as they were anxious. Jesus said He only did what He saw His Father do. He had His eyes on His Father. Amen! How good is our God? Stay close and find out where He is going, and go there. Then you will live in safety. We are harmed when we run from His shadow in fear.

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe in Him so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13 HCSB If we are wanting hope and wonder where to find it, it is in our God. As we trust in Him He fills us with joy and peace and then we overflow with hope. No striving here. Hope is found in relationship with our God. The hope that comes from our God is not as the world gives. This hope has meat on its bones, it has substance it is full of joy and peace. The important thing is to look upon Him rather then be led astray by our feelings or circumstances. This takes practice and is worthwhile learning as there is no better source of life and peace than in harmony with our God. Amen

For whatever was written in the past was written for our instruction, so that we may have hope through endurance and through the encouragement from the Scriptures. Romans 15:4 HCSB Although the New Testament supersedes the Old Testament, it actually is built upon it. Jesus was the fulfillment of the Old Testament and it's requirements. However, reading the Old Testament I see Jesus woven through it like a silver thread. Many of the stories of the Old Testament encourage me in my faith. When called to walk by faith I need to see how others did it. The Old Testament characters are so colourful they can't help but stand out. If the Old Testament was written for our encouragement, it does that and more. Hebrews 11 tells me I am surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses cheering me on. It is good to know who they are. I am instructed by the godly behaviour of the saints of old. It is a blessing to read their faithful journeys. I particularly love Daniel and David. I love Da...

The one who lives under the protection of the Most High dwells in the shadow of the Almighty. Psalms 91:1 HCSB Shadow dwelling usually carries negative connotations. However, dwelling in the shadow of the Almighty means I am very close but also not the light. He is the glorious one. He must get the glory. If I am in the shadow I have no need to clamour for glory, I don't need to be heard and I don't need to 'make it happen' but rather go where He goes and do what He does. There's the challenge! This has really spoken to me today. I have consciously tried to be aware that I am following and not leading. I blew it once when a salesman called me when I was otherwise preoccupied. I don't know why they claim to represent well known Telstra and them ask me about a service Telstra has already given me. They show they are not from where they say they are and that is annoying. (Sorry Lord, fell off the grace wagon) Well.... I will try again tomorrow. I am sure ano...

The one who lives under the protection of the Most High dwells in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord , “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” He Himself will deliver you from the hunter’s net, from the destructive plague. He will cover you with His feathers; you will take refuge under His wings. His faithfulness will be a protective shield. You will not fear the terror of the night, the arrow that flies by day, the plague that stalks in darkness, or the pestilence that ravages at noon. Though a thousand fall at your side and ten thousand at your right hand, the pestilence will not reach you. You will only see it with your eyes and witness the punishment of the wicked. Because you have made the Lord — my refuge, the Most High — your dwelling place, no harm will come to you; no plague will come near your tent. For He will give His angels orders concerning you, to protect you in all your ways. They will support you with their hands so that you wil...

“I have told you these things to keep you from stumbling. They will ban you from the synagogues. In fact, a time is coming when anyone who kills you will think he is offering service to God. They will do these things because they haven’t known the Father or Me. But I have told you these things so that when their time comes you may remember I told them to you. I didn’t tell you these things from the beginning, because I was with you. John 16:1‭-‬4 HCSB Jesus told His disciples that they would be persecuted, to keep them from stumbling. The first verse refers to Chapter 15:18-25. Verse 25 is taken from psalm 69:4 ' they hated Me for no reason.' We see the hate more and more. If we dare to speak biblical truth we are hated. If we have a different opinion or view we are hated. Hate is rife in our culture. Today I read a letter by a prominent minister in London, to the BBC confronting them for their bias against the church. He said that they would not print the truth if it w...

I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world.” John 16:33 HCSB We don't like to accept we will have suffering but we do. Two days ago I caught up with a couple who were saved around the same time as I, back in the 70s. We reminisced about all who had come to know the Lord in that time. All had met difficult times but not all handled it the same. It was good to know most were still connected to church. Often this is not the case. Many fall away when difficult times come. We agreed that the message back then was: 'come to Christ and all your problems would go', not so. Life is full of suffering, some suffer more than others. Often I suffer because I misjudge circumstances. For example I have just returned from Tasmania and I had my grandson with me. He ate way more than I allowed for and consumed more funds than I allowed for, yet provision was there. Sometimes we struggle...

We all went astray like sheep; we all have turned to our own way; and the Lord has punished Him for the iniquity of us all. Isaiah 53:6 HCSB Jesus bore our waywardness. We cannot in all conscious deliberately continue on a destructive path when He paid for our redemption. Like sheep without a shepherd we went astray, but when we come to Him we have a good shepherd, we need to respond to Him. Self- will is the unregenerate way, His will is the new, born again way. Amen!

Who has believed what we have heard? And who has the arm of the Lord been revealed to? He grew up before Him like a young plant and like a root out of dry ground. He didn’t have an impressive form or majesty that we should look at Him, no appearance that we should desire Him. He was despised and rejected by men, a man of suffering who knew what sickness was. He was like someone people turned away from; He was despised, and we didn’t value Him. Yet He Himself bore our sicknesses, and He carried our pains; but we in turn regarded Him stricken, struck down by God, and afflicted. But He was pierced because of our transgressions, crushed because of our iniquities; punishment for our peace was on Him, and we are healed by His wounds. Isaiah 53:1‭-‬5 HCSB The above passage refers to Jesus. He was not a pretty face but His attraction ran deeper. He was truth, He was the word of God in the flesh. He came to display the Father and not live for Himself. As we approach Easter it is good to...

“When the Lord your God brings you into the land you are entering to possess, and He drives out many nations before you — the Hittites, Girgashites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites, seven nations more numerous and powerful than you — and when the Lord your God delivers them over to you and you defeat them, you must completely destroy them. Make no treaty with them and show them no mercy. Deuteronomy 7:1‭-‬2 HCSB The children of Israel had to defeat the inhabitants of the land they were given. Thry were to show no mercy and completely destroy them. This they did not completely do and so entered a time of uncleanness before their God as they began to make room for the people who worshipped foreign gods. Each of the tribes above represent enemies we must face in ourselves: fear, shame, depression, deception, pride, laziness, unbelief. We are to completely rid ourselves of them and not make friends with them. We cannot claim them as a special part of us, ente...

Know that Yahweh your God is God, the faithful God who keeps His gracious covenant loyalty for a thousand generations with those who love Him and keep His commands. Deuteronomy 7:9 HCSB Knowing God's faithfulness is something we learn as we trust Him and not run to others or attempt elaborate works of our own. A tendency to flap, squark and act like chickens causes us to, like them, lose our heads. If I am walking in the path He gave me, trusting Him, then He comes through for me. As I abide in Him and monitor my steps and refuse to go anywhere but the path, then I am blessed by Him. Refusing to fear or allow our imaginations run is our challenge. Yet, again and again He comes through.he is faithful and true! Yesterday I travelled for nearly 6 hours through a dust storm and bush fires, from Albury NSW to reach a place I have never been before, Camberwarra, near Nowra on the NEW South Wales coast. Today I head back to Sydney via Shellharbour to see very old friends, who ha...

Consider it a great joy, my brothers, whenever you experience various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. But endurance must do its complete work, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing. James 1:2‭-‬4 HCSB Do you like gifts, surprises or blessings? I do! However God gives the best gifts and His gifts are never taken back or regretted. The best gifts God wants to give us is revelation about Him or who we are in Him. When I must endure loneliness I tell the Lord I want a reward for enduring lonely times. He never disappoints me. I come away with fresh revelation every time (so long as I have refused to wallow in self-pity). Endurance must be allowed to do a complete work in us. God is wanting to polish us so that His reflection is what people see in us. When I was a child I used to help my grandmother polish the brass vases. I had to apply the polish and then the harder I rubbed the vase the shinier it became. The polish in my li...

A man who endures trials is blessed, because when he passes the test he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him. James 1:12 HCSB When we go through a trial we do not know when it will end, but there is a date, if we keep the faith. In the bible we see, time and again, saints of old facing the same challenge, faith with endurance. As each endured, each came through to blessing: Noah was saved from the flood; Joseph was saved from a life in jail; Daniel was honored above his peers; David was made king. The Greatest endurance was Jesus enduring the cross. He appeared to not receive blessing but the scripture says: He ensured the cross for the joy that was set before Him. What joy was that? Opening the way back to heaven and to the Father. He paid the price of forgiveness. I can now enter in to God's throneroom with clean clothes. Endurance produces fruit and brings a result. Amen!

Listen, my sons, to a father’s discipline, and pay attention so that you may gain understanding, for I am giving you good instruction. Don’t abandon my teaching. Proverbs 4:1‭-‬2 HCSB My eldest grandson is 12. He is beginning to push the boundaries. He is forthright and sometimes outspoken. Whilst Nan (me) might gently pull him up, in a family of five children and two parents his leash is much shorter. Today as I put him on the plane home I warned him to watch his mouth as it would cause him trouble. He mumbled something like: "it already does!" And he went blissfully on his way. I spoke to my son tonight and he was in dealing with son mode. My words came true. Now, I know at 12 a young man is impetuous and not inclined to listen. I pray Myer does learn to listen and gain an ear for truth as that will save him. If adults continue to be impulsive and not listen, they are in for a rough ride. Better to yield to the Lord and be broken than have Him fall upon you and you...

Wisdom is supreme — so get wisdom. And whatever else you get, get understanding. Proverbs 4:7 HCSB The only wisdom worth seeking is Godly wisdom and the only understanding worth having is Godly understanding. The knowledge of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. James tells us: if any of you lack wisdom, ask and it will be given to you. The Holy Spirit leads us into all wisdom. Most wisdom is gained by experiencing God's ways. Wisdom is not anxious or fearful but rather faithful. Amen! Don't ever assume fearful decisions to be wise decisions. Also, do not assume that no decisions are wise decisions. Faithful decisions based on wisdom are best. If you can't make a decision get counsel from those who are faithful rather than those who are fearful. The best decision you can make is seeking God first. Do not rely on your own understanding alone, seek counsel. If I cannot find a flesh and blood person, I pray and listen to my podcasts. Invariably, God will use a preac...

“If you love Me, you will keep My commands. And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Counselor to be with you forever. He is the Spirit of truth. The world is unable to receive Him because it doesn’t see Him or know Him. But you do know Him, because He remains with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I am coming to you. John 14:15‭-‬18 HCSB We who know Him Have been given the Holy Spirit as a divine counsellor. He whispers truth to me, guides me and instructs me on the way I should go. Whilst my grandson and I were camping a few nights ago, at a place called Strahn, in Tasmania's West coast area, we had arrived late and erected our tent, then found somewhere to have dinner. During the night my grandson sat bolt upright and said: " I think I am going to be sick!" Nice! I scrambled to unzip the tent telling him: "Not in here!" (As if a sick person can wait- but He did). Whilst he went to the toilet I searched for an...

The one who has My commands and keeps them is the one who loves Me. And the one who loves Me will be loved by My Father. I also will love him and will reveal Myself to him.” John 14:21 HCSB Three things stand out to me here: if I love Jesus, really love Him, I will keep His commands; if I love Jesus the Father will love me; if I love Jesus He will reveal Himself to me. What commands must I keep? Jesus said: love the Lord Your God with all your heart and love others like yourself. Simple? No! However in the same chapter Jesus told the disciples He was sending the Holy Spirit who would guide them into all truth. It is my job to love God and others with the Holy Spirits help. When I do this I am happiest. Amen! For me the greatest act of love is kindness. Being kind brings out gratitude and gratitude grace and grace love. Be kind! The next part is that the Father will love me. Now that is special! What does a loving Father look like? Why not find out! The last part, and the pa...

Do you not know? Have you not heard? Has it not been declared to you from the beginning? Have you not considered the foundations of the earth? Isaiah 40:21 HCSB Recently Stephen Hawkings died. He refused to believe in God. Yet right now he will know he was wrong, and it is too late. Have you ever heard the saying:'He is too good for His own good!' Stephen so totally believed in his own opinions he could not change his opinion. How sad! The glory of the earth speaks about its creator. We should listen! Amen!

Look up and see: who created these? He brings out the starry host by number; He calls all of them by name. Because of His great power and strength, not one of them is missing. Isaiah 40:26 HCSB As someone who loves studying the stars, it is good to know that my God calls them all by name. I am challenged to remember what man calls them, let alone what my God calls them. I am looking forward to the days when we have that conversation. Yesterday we did a 13 hour trek up around cradle mountain. I saw some spectacular views. I am constantly amazed at the beauty of creation. It is good! Just as the creator is good. Not all good things are easy. Yesterday was very hard and has left me with a sore right knee. Ah! But the memories! I have photos to remind me. Such beauty! Today we were to go on a boat cruise but it rained early this morning and made what could have been an uninviting idea. Instead we returned to base to rest. My knee is grateful.

For you were called to be free, brothers; only don’t use this freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but serve one another through love. For the entire law is fulfilled in one statement: Love your neighbor as yourself. But if you bite and devour one another, watch out, or you will be consumed by one another. Galatians 5:13‭-‬15 HCSB Christ has set me free from my sins and also the law. The law with all its 'do's ' and 'Don'ts '. However there is one law that governs all, when it comes to others: love your neighbour as yourself. This is the biggest challenge. In my family we love to tease one another and take the "mickey' out of each other. However there are times it gets out of hand. Last night was one such time. I was the one being dealt the serve. It was not nice. It had made me realise that perhaps I should review my own behaviour. In light of the above scripture I need to prayerfully consider my own way. Love does that. I need to walk i...

He was in the world, and the world was created through Him, yet the world did not recognize Him. He came to His own, and His own people did not receive Him. But to all who did receive Him, He gave them the right to be children of God, to those who believe in His name, John 1:10‭-‬12 HCSB Being rejected and ignored is hard to bear. How did the Lord manage it? We know He kept close to the Father. Even though his earthly family rejected Him, His heavenly Father did not. Those who believe in you, you can give more of yourself to. There were those Jesus was able to give more of Himself to. There is a scripture that says: 'He did not give Himself to them for He knew the hearts of men.' This was referring to those who wanted something buy rejected who He was. Discerning who to give your heart to is important. When we misread a person and give too much it is devastating. However learning to guard our hearts is a challenge we must face. I had this happen today. It was from som...

The true light, who gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was created through Him, yet the world did not recognize Him. John 1:9‭-‬10 HCSB How can we live and miss the source of light? Because we choose to accept a lesser light, a created light rather than the light of the creator. It takes something deep with a person to know there is more, something greater and more powerful. Living like blind men is so limited. There is so much more. Last night we watched a movie called Interstellar. It was far fetched but I am sure it portrays possibilities that mankind is considering. However, it is typical of mankind to spend a lot of money finding their own solutions whilst the creator only has to be asked for His. Jesus walked among us, He was the light to the world but mankind did not accept His truth, He was full of grace and power. Why not try Christ. You will find the answers. Amen.

Let the message about the Messiah dwell richly among you, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, and singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, with gratitude in your hearts to God. Colossians 3:16 HCSB The last part of the above sentence speaks of an attitude of gratitude. Gratitude is an attitude. We must choose to walk in the fruits of the Spirit: gratitude is an unnamed fruit of the Spirit. When we submit to Him our lives produce fruit that tastes good to the world. What does gratitude taste like? It brings kindness with it. Gratitude isn't ruled by the eye or the ear but rather a heart for others. Today I took my grandson to a Farmfest carnival. There we came upon a magnificent Leggo display. My grandson is a nut for Leggo and he went straight up to a model of a massive digger and knew where to turn it on. A scruffy young man stood by and I asked Him if the display was his, it was. I was impressed that he allowed my grandson to touch his creations. He was...

Let the message about the Messiah dwell richly among you, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, and singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. Colossians 3:16‭-‬17 HCSB Last night my sister cooked us a lamb roast. She made a beautiful gravy which she poured over our meal. I grew up loving gravy. A roast meal without gravy is not a roast meal, in my opinion. Living in Christ Paul tells us to allow the message about Christ to dwell richly among us. Much like a life without gravy is a life without the message of Christ. I am visiting Tasmania with my eldest grandson. Yesterday whilst travelling I asked him to put on some music for me. I actually chose U2. The decision what music to put on came with the knowledge that my grandson does not love my Lord as I do, yet. He is 12. What music do I want him t...

Therefore, as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, overflowing with gratitude. Colossians 2:6‭-‬7 HCSB Tonight let's look at gratitude. Gratitude is a character trait that blesses us and others. Ungrateful people abound. They are our critics. They cultivate nastiness and they think on all that is wrong and ugly. David wrote with a grateful heart, even through all he went through. His psalms resonate with gratitude. The apostle Paul urges us to be grateful when he, of all people, had cause to complain and become bitter, but he didn't. He sang God's praises. Gratitude needs to be pursued and cultivated and bitterness and rancor needs to be uprooted. Choose a grateful heart, always. Amen!

Therefore, as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, overflowing with gratitude. Colossians 2:6‭-‬7 HCSB Being rooted in Him bears the image of a plant, planted in good soil, watered and growing to new life. I love to garden and recently bought two Persian Silk trees on line. They came packaged carefully in the post. Now it was my turn to ensure these saplings grew. I had bought them in summer, which alone, in itself, was a challenge to new plants. I made sure I gave them new soil, a good position, a good hole in the ground and plenty of water and shade. We come to God at all seasons of life. Usually our circumstances are heated in some way, yet God, in His mercy bends down and in His grace and mercy and tends to us. His soil is good. His care the best. He waters us with His word. His word is full of life and I am grateful because without it I would die. Now I need to walk in Him. H...

Therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your spiritual worship. Romans 12:1 HCSB God's mercy enables me to present my body as a living sacrifice to God. Without His grace and mercy, I am undone, I do not will to please Him but rather please myself. We cannot underrated God's grace and mercy. It is the source. It comes from His love, which is infatiguable, it never wears out. As I yield to His grace and mercy I bring my body as a living sacrifice and in doing this I bring worship to my God. HE IS SO good! Today my mum, grandson and I made a safe crossing on the Spirit of Tasmania from Melbourne to Tasmania. My grandson was fully of beans wanting to expend energy. He found the play centre and it happened to be on level 10. I was concerned about his safety and was checking on Him because I knew the evil age we live in. I prayed God's protection on him and had to trust the ...

Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God. Romans 12:2 HCSB How many times have you read this scripture? We know that Paul is urging us not to be confirmed to this age. What does that mean? Don't try to impress with what you wear, buy or do. It also tells us not to think the same, but to focus on being renewed in our mind and thinking. But why? So that we can discern what is the good, perfect and pleasing will of God is. This is remaining 'in the Spirit.' Or abiding in the vine? When I am attached and linked in His life force flows through me and I know what He is thinking. What are His thoughts towards us? What are His thoughts about this day or those around us? Perhaps also, abiding brings us closer to His amazing power and authority. Amen!

For the mind-set of the flesh is hostile to God because it does not submit itself to God’s law, for it is unable to do so. Romans 8:7 HCSB I know when I am inclined to the flesh, I feel all antsy. My desire is not for God or things of God. At these times I must submit myself to God and ask for mercy and grace and He gives it in spades. Today has been a difficult day. I drove for 31/2 hours to a city where there are a lot of roadworks with a GPS that won't speak. I am having to hold my GPS to see the directions and endeavour to not run off the road. Then we had to fight through sardine packed traffic to accommodation that was wrongly addressed. Finally we made it and paid $25 to park under the motel. Parking at the airport also cost $25. Expensive place to visit. You might say I was a little cross. I called the motel and told them they were not where they were supposed to be. In fact they were around the corner. (Wipe away the egg from my face). Lord have mercy!

Therefore, no condemnation now exists for those in Christ Jesus, because the Spirit’s law of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death. Romans 8:1‭-‬2 HCSB God does not condemn us, either we do or Satan does. Condemnation is crushing, telling us we are not good enough, whereas conviction is life bringing. Conviction is God's tool it carries revelation of sin and a better way forward. It does not mock us, crush or destroy. It has hope for a better way. If we choose to ignore conviction then it's truth buffets us, drawing us to repentance. Only a hardened heart resists truth and only a hardened heart loses the life truth brings. Resistance of truth brings death as we choose sin over God's ways. No matter how we dress sin up it brings death. It is vile and opposed to God's life giving Spirit. The Spirit brings life but just because He is around does not make sin right. Those who abide in Christ live by the Spirit of truth. Conversely...

If we say, “We have no sin,” we are deceiving ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:8‭-‬9 HCSB Now.we know! We do sin but we have a saviour. I want Him to be my saviour for I am not a good saviour. We deceive ourselves, often. You can tell you are deceived when you start to act self-righteous, get puffed up and have opinions about others. When we act out of deception, we sin and need to repent. I am learning to keep my own counsel and be quiet as the Lord wants to act on my behalf and if I put my bib in, I lose. I may obtain temporary glory, my own, but I am thieving God's glory. He alone gets the glory. Amen! When we preen and puff up we are climbing Humpty Dumpty's wall and all the kings horses and all the kings men will not be able to put us back together again, only He can and it won't happen until we repent. So....stay humble! Am...

You yourselves know that these hands have provided for my needs and for those who were with me. In every way I’ve shown you that by laboring like this, it is necessary to help the weak and to keep in mind the words of the Lord Jesus, for He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ” Acts 20:34‭-‬35 HCSB Paul was a tent maker. Whilst he travelled and ministered in various places he provided for himself and did not rely on the offerings of others. It is interesting that he said:"it is necessary to help the weak." Was he referring to 'weak in faith' or 'weak and feeble and unable to work'? Was the fact that he worked a testimony to the lazy and those who would rather live off others. We all know these types of people. Throughout Acts we see where there were offerings for the poor. Did Paul rather work as well as preach so that any gifts he received went to the poor? Perhaps the people He preached to were poor and unable to give. Paul was a giv...

The Lord is my light and my salvation — whom should I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life — of whom should I be afraid? When evildoers came against me to devour my flesh, my foes and my enemies stumbled and fell. Though an army deploys against me, my heart is not afraid; though a war breaks out against me, still I am confident. Psalms 27:1‭-‬3 HCSB Do you know why the Psalmist was able to say the above? Because his delight was to be in the presence of the Lord. We fear losing what we hold on to. If we hold on to the Lord we do not fear losing Him for He says: "I will never leave you or forsake you." It is us who forsake but not Him. He is faithful and just. Amen! Today I took my 86 year old mother to visit a potential 94 year old relative she has never seen before. This man was an orphan but carries my maiden name as his surname. Mum did not know he was an orphan, I must have not told her or she had forgotten. She asked this man who his parents were. He hung hi...

I have asked one thing from the Lord ; it is what I desire: to dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, gazing on the beauty of the Lord and seeking Him in His temple. For He will conceal me in His shelter in the day of adversity; He will hide me under the cover of His tent; He will set me high on a rock. Psalms 27:4‭-‬5 HCSB My God is my rock and fortress. As I seek Him and His comfort I find His hiding place. He is good! Though I disappoint myself and I fail, He does not fail. Yesterday I went to visit relatives I had never met and found them ill and dying. I had prayed before I went for God to use me, yet I struggled to find opportunity. When we were leaving I told them both I would be praying for them and I have been yet I wanted to do more. Before I left to meet them I had a client call in tears, his daughter was dying. I also told him I would pray, and I did. I want to do more. When I was with my relatives I wondered if in general conversation that we use...

Now without faith it is impossible to please God, for the one who draws near to Him must believe that He exists and rewards those who seek Him. Hebrews 11:6 HCSB Faith pleases God and the one who lives by faith condemns the world because it does not. We first see this in Abel who offered a sacrifice in faith, and it pleased God. Cain offered a sacrifice without faith and was condemned. Noah built an arc because he believed God's word. In building the arc Noah condemned the world. As the Christian lives by faith they inadvertently condemn the world because God is looking for faith. Faith condemns, we do not have to say a word, and should not. God is the one who speaks to sin. My challenge is to live by faith, in all things. Amen

God raised Him up, ending the pains of death, because it was not possible for Him to be held by it. because You will not leave me in Hades or allow Your Holy One to see decay. Acts 2:24‭‭, ‬27 HCSB Jesus was unable to be kept captive by death as He was the perfect, sinless, sacrifice slain for all mankind. He offered Himself up to the Father, for us. Death could not hold Him! Death where is your victory? Where is Your sting? This same Jesus is my saviour and Lord. Nothing is impossible for Him, nothing is too great! He is king and master of all. I am so blessed! Today I discovered that a client who had been away from the Lord had renewed her faith and her boyfriend along with her. I rejoice! Greatly I rejoice! How good is my God!

Then everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. Acts 2:21 HCSB A simple act brings an eternal reward. "Ask and it shall be given, seek and you will find." Jesus spoke these words. Our Father is waiting for us to call upon Him and come to Him. In the parable: The Prodigal Son, Jesus told a story of a son who had gone his own way and found himself in dire straits. He decided to retun to his father and ask for forgiveness. Forgiveness is there ready and waiting for us all. All is required is a repentant heart willing to turn to the Father. It was the best thing I ever did and will be for you. It is never too late. Amen!

For we are His creation, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time so that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10 HCSB If we are created for good work, what work would that be? Does it include sports, entertainment, work, family life? I think we need to find our God's heart in every situation and not make assumptions. I remember working as a nurse and constantly being used by God to touch people's lives. I think, in my present occupation as a financial planner, I am being used by God as a testimony for His goodness. I think I am used by God in my neighbourhood as a testimony of God's love and kindness. I believe at my church I am being used as a witness to His strength and power. In my family, I trust they see Him. Our God can be seen in us as we line up in queues, going to shops, to movies, to sports matches. Is He ever on my mind? Am I aware of who I am, wherever I am? If so Yes! If I am walking in the Spirit, they see Him. He is...

For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift — not from works, so that no one can boast. For we are His creation, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time so that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:8‭-‬10 HCSB God's grace is poured out upon us and leads us to repentance, in repentance our faith mixed with desire reaches out to our God for relationship. Faith in Him is what sustains us along the journey. Our God is drawing us to repentance from dead works into a living relationship with Him. Stubbornness on our part can cost us our pride and all it is caught up in. If things are in the way, they have to go. Our cozy lifestyles are a hindrance to the gospel, especially if we are self-made. We need to be God-made. Anything that comes from God is good and as it is not of ourselves, there are no other gods involved. He will not allow other gods before Him. He has a plan for us to walk in. He has wo...

How lovely is Your dwelling place, Lord of Hosts. I long and yearn for the courts of the Lord ; my heart and flesh cry out for the living God. Psalms 84:1‭-‬2 HCSB The longer I walk with the Lord, the more I long for His presence in my life. Nothing is better! No house, car or treasure is better! Dwelling with Him is full of surprises. He constantly amazes! No earthly pleasure is as good as my God. Earthly pleasures disappoint! Heavenly pleasures invigorate. Nothing is better! Amen!

Happy are the people whose strength is in You, whose hearts are set on pilgrimage. As they pass through the Valley of Baca, they make it a source of springwater; even the autumn rain will cover it with blessings. They go from strength to strength; each appears before God in Zion. Psalms 84:5‭-‬7 HCSB I have learned to rejoice that my strength is in my God and to not resent the Valley of Becca. Resenting the Valley of Becca (weeping) creates unwanted tension. Whereas looking at Him, completely causes me to make beauty along the way. I have a good friend going through a very dark patch and she is filled with anxiety. She said to me: "I just want this all to go away!" I said: "It won't go away, you must face it one step at a time." I should have added, keeping your eyes on Jesus. However, as she does not have faith in Him, she is rather blaming Him for allowing the situation? This would be difficult. Our God allows what we cause by our pride so that we mig...

Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to determine if they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. 1 John 4:1 HCSB Test every spirit! Don't be guliable and be willing to accept everything you are told. This is very important when it comes to media reports. Media plays on drama and hunts down every whisper. Is it really true before God? What is His opinion? Does it matter to Him? Christians have become very much like the world when it comes to shredding a character. God alone is judge. He has never given me the responsibility for judging my fellow man, nor is He in need of my opinion. Today I arrived at the home of a family member and sensed fear. I asked the Lord what was going on. He said: "It is the spirit of the house. Don't fear I will take care of you." He is good! And He is taking care of me. Remember to ask God: what is this? He will tell you. Amen!

You are from God, little children, and you have conquered them, because the One who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. 1 John 4:4 HCSB You might ask: :"who have we conquered?" Im glad you asked. John was warning the church about the spirits of anti-Christ. The Spirit that governs us is heard by those open to Christ and not by those governed by the world. Those governed by the world oppose Christ as they are governed by a different spirit. The good news is: no matter how big and bold the spirit of anti-Christ seems, God is bigger. Remember David the shepherd boy, because he knew his God he was able to take on Goliath, who was of the world. Goliath, not David fell. I love the language John uses: 'little children', we are beloved little children in the kingdom of God. Amen!

Serve with a good attitude, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that whatever good each one does, slave or free, he will receive this back from the Lord. Ephesians 6:7‭-‬8 HCSB Serving takes many shapes. I can serve in my occupation, I can serve my friends and family and I can serve my neighbours. Last night I had a call from a neighbour. She was extremely distressed. She is 74 and facing unknown plumbing problems. She has a leak under the foundation of her house. She has not been sleeping and was anxious and tired. This morning I went and visited her and consoled her. I am going away tomorrow. I had a lot to do today and my own world needed a lot of attention. Yet, taking time to care and give consolation was gratifying. Our God is a busy God yet He's got time for each of us. What is His secret? He loves us and cares for us. He makes room for us. How good is that? I am made in His image and He is there for me. I can be there for others. Amen!

Finally, be strengthened by the Lord and by His vast strength. Put on the full armor of God so that you can stand against the tactics of the Devil. For our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the world powers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavens. This is why you must take up the full armor of God, so that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having prepared everything, to take your stand. Ephesians 6:10‭-‬13 HCSB We.can become blaze' about our enemy. As, in any warfare, if we fail to know where the enemy is, He might be right behind us. Our battle is not just against a village bully but world authorities that rule darkness. In our excitement and enjoyment of the good things of God we cannot forget we have an enemy who is constantly plotting. However, conversely, we cannot go around seeing demons everywhere. God has given us weapons to use and they are not guns, knives o...